News & Views

Currently, there is no standardisation across ophthalmic imaging technologies with the consequence that there is no easy way to exchange digital images between systems. Standardisation of digital imaging across eye care services would ensure that there is interoperability and a seamless interface that allows effective image sharing. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and The College of Optometrists are now calling for the standardisation of digital imaging across eye care services.

The government has announced that over 50 new surgical hubs will open across England to help alleviate Covid backlogs and offer quicker patient access to vital procedures. The new hubs will focus mainly on providing high-volume low, complexity surgery, including ophthalmology.

Applications for the Sight Research UK Translational Research Award open on the 1st September 2022. The purpose of the Translational Research Award is to accelerate the translation of scientific findings to the early stages of development of new therapies and diagnostics for sight-threatening conditions.

Following the national procurement for medical retinal vascular medicines, NHS England has published an operational note on Commissioning recommendations. This followed discussions with various stakeholders, including members of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

NHS England has recently published a suite of decision support tools. The tools cover varying conditions and include Making a decision about cataracts, Making a decision about open-angle glaucoma and Making a decision about wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), along with guidance on how to use them and evaluating the impact.